Well folks as Max Bygraves used to say "I've arrived and to prove it I'm here".

From Reading it was a doddle, 209 miles this time from House to Pier Head..I tried a different route through Liverpool.

However once on the ferry the captain warned us of Force 6 side winds and he was so right....It was a bit like the days when the steam ferry gyrated across but the Manannan stayed more or less on even keel, tacking as it was hit by the wind... We still managed 30 knots and arrived only a little behind schedule.

As we docked I sat in the car and phoned Manx Radio receiving a lovely welcome from Judith Ley who was on the late show. It is a tradition I have carried out for quite a few years starting in the days of Bernie Quayle and once I had "reported in" I felt that I was ON the Island.

I was so pleased to get to Farm Hill, my place of residence for the next two weeks ------- I was really cold to the bone...they had a large mug of tea waiting which I used to warm myself externally and internally. We chatted while I became human again and cases were taken to "my bedroom".

I crashed out, slept well but woke at 5.30AM (remembering early morning practices) with the sun beaming through the partially open curtains...Looks a nice morning but last nights weather report, read out on Judiths programme, was not good at all with a threat of high winds and rain... Gary Thompson (the COTC) will assess the day as it progresses and make a decision on tonights practice.

The seagulls are giving a dawn chorus and it is time to preform my ablutions and to get down for what will be a very welcome breakfast.

After breakfast........Who knows

Nobles Park car park is closed in anticipation of the weather to come and campers are moving into the church halls to weather the coming storm..At the moment it is like being in the eye of the storm........I will endeavour to sign in at the press office at noon !